what is Jamestown Canyon virus?
Jamestown Canyon virus is a mosquito-borne orthobunyavirus, found across much of the United States but most often reported in the upper Midwest, that can cause flu-like illness and, in severe cases, brain or spinal cord inflammation.
It is one of two viruses now found in Kent County mosquitoes this season, and with no vaccine or treatment, preventing bites is the only protection.
More: 4 details, 4 sources
- Spread through bites of infected mosquitoes; deer and other hoofed animals are the main reservoir hosts. People are 'dead-end' hosts and do not pass the virus on.
- First isolated in 1961 near Jamestown, Colorado; it is closely related to La Crosse and snowshoe hare viruses.
- Many infected people have no symptoms; others get fever, headache, and fatigue. About half of symptomatic cases are hospitalized, and severe disease can include encephalitis or meningitis.
- No vaccine or specific medicine exists. Prevention means using repellent with 10–35% DEET, wearing long sleeves, and eliminating standing water around the home.
